Accessible trail
Saari-Soljanen demanding accessible trail, 500 metres each way
Difficulty: demanding accessible nature trail
Estimated travel time: In the snow-free season. Less than 1 hour in total in both directions. No winter maintenance.
Saari-Soljanen accessible trail takes visitors to the core of the charming Soljastensuo mire, where they might spot a long-legged wader called wood sandpiper. The trail runs close to the mire lakes of Saari-Soljanen and Kirkas-Soljanen. There is an accessible campsite with a cooking shelter and campfire site at the starting point of the trail on Saari-Soljanen Lake. An accessible fishing platform awaits visitors on Kirkas-Soljanen Lake.
Starting point
Address: Saari-Soljanen parking area, Soljostentie, Ylöjärvi
The trail starts next to Saari-Soljanen parking area. To reach the trail from the parking area, visitors cross a sandy road. The distance to the start from the drop-off point and bus parking area is approx. 100 m. There are no separate accessible parking spaces in the parking area.
Saari-Soljanen brochure map (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
There is an accessible toilet beside the parking area. The gradient of the ramp leading to the toilet door is 8%. The ramp has a steel mesh (mesh size 8 mm x 6.9 cm). The toilet doorway is 86 cm wide. There is a support rail on both sides of the toilet seat. The back of the seat is close to the wall, which may make it difficult to move sideways onto the seat from a wheelchair directly from the side. Bring your own toilet paper.
The distance from the parking area to the cooking shelter and campfire site is slightly over 50 metres. The cooking shelter can be accessed through three different doors. The wooden deck in front of the cooking shelter has slight rot damage, and visitors should pick their way carefully. Inside the cooking shelter, the height difference between the wooden section and the gravel area beside the fireplace is 2 to 4 cm.
The campfire site, which can be found outside the cooking shelter and across the trail, is open on one side.
There is no height difference when entering the firewood shed. The firewood in the shed comprises logs of around one metre in length, which the visitors saw and chop down to a suitable size.
Trail description
There are no trail markings, but the trail is easy to follow and there is no risk of getting lost. There are maps and information boards describing the mire species along the trail.
The trail width is at minimum 1.5 metres throughout. The surface of the first trail section for approx. 230 metres is compacted gravel. There are depressions and holes in places along the trail. Outside the cooking shelter, there are more depressions as well as roots and rocks that have pushed up from the ground. The gradients on the trail vary between 0% and 10%. Rather than long uphill or downhill stretches, the sections with a gradient are only a few meters long. The cross slopes vary between 0% and 5 %. The edges of the gravel path are steep in places. The visibility of the gravel surfaced trail depends on the conditions.
After the gravel trail, a wide boardwalk begins. The boardwalk section has two viewing platforms suitable for resting. The distance to the first viewing platform from the beginning of the boardwalk is around 190 metres. The accessible trail ends at the second viewing platform, which also serves as a fishing platform. The distance between the viewing platforms is 50 metres. The total length of the boardwalk is approx. 240 metres. The width of the boardwalk up till the first viewing platform is 2.2 metres, and between the first and second platform, it is 1.9 metres. The boardwalk is mostly flat, but in places there are warped boards creating a height difference of around 2 cm. In addition, there is rot damage in a few boards by the handrail in some places. The viewing platforms have wooden benches (height 45 cm). There is a handrail along both sides of the boardwalk, which makes the trail more visible.
Nature trails
Aarnipolku trail, 1.8 km Circle Trail
When there is no snow on the ground. The trail can often even be used in winter. Travel time 1 hour. Please stay on the marked trails! Multiharju is a restricted area.
Enjoy the murky depths of the Multiharju old-growth forest, known as the heart of Seitseminen.
Starting point
Multiharju parking area, Jaulintie 732, Ikaalinen
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (pdf 3 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Aarnipolu Trail Map (excursionmap.fi, opens in a new window).
Hiking structures
Dry toilet in the Multiharju parking area. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
The Nature Trail winds by old-growth pine trees, large aspens and spruces, introducing to you some species of an old forest; Multiharju is the heart of Seitseminen.
Route Description
The trail is marked in a counter-clockwise direction.
The Aarnipolku trail starts at the Multiharju parking area and returns to the departure point.
Please Note
Please stay on the marked trails! Multiharju esker is part of restricted area, where it is only allowed to move on the trails in order to prevent erosion of the terrain. The trail can often even be used in winter. The eastern part of the Nature Trail is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Saari-Soljanen nature trail, 2 km Circle Trail
The Saari-Soljanen nature trail introduces the beautiful mire nature.
Starting point
The Saari-Soljanen parking area, Soljostentie, Ylöjärvi.
Brochure of Saari Soljanen (pdf 364 kb, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (pdf 3 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Saari-Soljanen Trail Map (excursionmap.fi, opens in a new window).
Hiking structures
The Kirkas-Soljanen and Jaulinneva viewing platforms. The Saari-Soljanen cooking shelter, campfire site and accessible dry toilet. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
The Saari-Soljanen nature trail illustrates the diversity of Finnish mire habitats. Old beliefs and stories related to mires can be found along the trail. The Soljanen area is one of the largest pristine mire areas in the Seitseminen National Park. From the lookout point of Jaulinneva you can admire the wild and bare mire landscape.
Route description
The trail is marked in a counter-clockwise direction.
The trail starts from the cooking shelter by Lake Saari-Soljanen and continues along an accessible ramp towards Lake Kirkas-Soljanen, returning to the cooking shelter through a stretch of forest. Along the way, you can stop by the viewing platforms of the Kirkas-Soljanen and Jaulinneva mire.
Please Note
Thanks to the duckboards on the mire sections, the trail is manageable even in trainers. A section of the nature trail, roughly 0.5 km, is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. Please observe the restricted area from 1 April to 15 July.
Runokangas trail, 2 km Circle Trail
When there is no snow on the ground. The trail can often even be used in winter. Travel time 1 hour.
There are some differences in altitude on the trail.
Enjoy a combination of nature and culture! This trail features not only natural beauty, but also poem boards.
Starting point
Seitseminen Nature Center, Kulomäki, Seitsemisentie 110.
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (pdf 3 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Runokangas Trail Map (excursionmap.fi, opens in a new window).
Hiking structures
In Kulomäki, outside the Seitseminen Nature Centre, there is a fireplace shelter, a drinking water supply and a dry toilet. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Route description
The trail is marked in a counter-clockwise direction.
The trail starts in the yard of the Nature Centre in Kulomäki, before continuing south along the west side of the esker. From Sikomäki, it crosses the road to the east side of the esker, continuing back to Kulomäki.
Other Circle trails
Harjupolku (esker trail), 5.2 km Circle Trail
When there is no snow on the ground. Travel time 2 hours.
There are some differences in altitude on the trail.
What does the Seitsemisharju Esker, towering around 20 metres above its surroundings, look like? Take the Harjupolku trail to find out!
Starting point
Seitseminen Nature Center, Kulomäki, Seitsemisentie 110, Ylöjärvi.
Harjupolku Trail Map (excursionmap.fi, opens in a new window).
Hiking structures
In Kulomäki, outside the Seitseminen Nature Centre, there is a fireplace shelter, a drinking water supply and a dry toilet. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
The Harjupolku trail runs along the base of Seitsemisharju Esker, through spruce bogs and pine forest islands in the middle of open mires.
Route description
The trail is marked in a counter-clockwise direction.
The trail starts at Kulomäki outside the Seitseminen Nature Centre, running along the west side of the esker all the way to Susikangas. From there, it crosses the road to the east side of the esker, continuing through Tervahautakangas and Pakkulakangas and back to Kulomäki.
Torpparintaival (Tenant Farmer's trail), 6.3 km Circle Trail
When there is no snow on the ground, the Kovero grounds are suitable for prams or wheelchairs when assisted. Travel time 2,5 hours.
The Torpparintaival trail introduces you to the varied nature of Seitseminen: heritage landscapes, magnificent old-growth forest and mosaics of varying mire and forest landscapes.
Starting point
The Kovero Heritage Farm, Seitsemisentie 948, Sisättö (Ikaalinen)
The trail starts at the end of the track crossing the yard, by the edge of the forest.
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (pdf 3 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Torpparintaival Trail Map (excursionmap.fi, opens in a new window).
Hiking structures
An accessible dry toilet is situated at one end of the Kovero parking area. There is a dry toilet in the farmyard and a well. Water taken from the well must be purified before consumption. There is a campfire site and a camping site by Lake Haukilampi. Swimming is possible from the jetty (not an official beach) and there is a dry toilet. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
The Kovero Heritage Farm, a guide on duty during the summer and the Multiharju old-growth forest.
Route description
The trail is marked in a counter-clockwise direction.
Route description
The Torpparintaival trail starts at the Kovero Heritage Farm and continues through the Multiharju old-growth forest. From Multiharju, the trail leads to the campfire site by Lake Haukilampi. The trail then winds back to the Kovero Heritage Farm. Along the way, you will see meadows, dry pine forests and mires with duckboards, and experience a shady old-growth forest.
Uittajanpolku, 18 km Circle Trail
In the snow-free season, hiking time 6 h
Uittajanpolku trail combines the best attractions in the southern part of the park: Kovero Heritage Farm, Multiharju’s old-growth forest and the Soljanen mire area.
Starting point
The Kovero Heritage Farm, Seitsemisentie 948, Sisättö (Ikaalinen)
The trail starts at the end of the cart track that passes through the yard on the edge of the forest.
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (pdf 3 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
There are plenty of rest stops and service structures on the trail.
Kovero parking area: accessible dry toilet and well.
Jokiristi: camping area, dry toilet and campfire site.
Saari-Soljanen: accessible dry toilet, cooking shelter and campfire site.
Kirkas-Soljanen: camping area, dry toilet, well, campfire site, cooking shelter for rent.
Haukilampi: campfire site, camping site, swimming possible from the pier (not an official beach) and dry toilet.
Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
Kovero Heritage Farm, Multiharju old-growth forest and Soljastensuo mire. Liesijoki, Seitsemisjoki, Liesilammi and Kettulammi. In the past, rivers Liesijoki and Seitsemisjoki were used to float timber to Lake Kyrösjärvi when melting snow kept the water levels high. Narrow channels were also cleared by hand to help floating timber. The Uittajanpolku trail crosses a 5-7 metre wide floating channel which was built between Liesilammi and Kettulammi.
Route description
The trail is marked with signposts for counter-clockwise hiking.
The Uittajanpolku Trail starts from Kovero Heritage Farm and runs through the Multiharju old-growth forest to Seitsemisjoki and Liesijoki. The route continues southwards from Jokiristi. The trail dips outside the boundaries of the national park near a forest reindeer paddock to a small gravel road, from where the trail continues as a charming forest path across and alongside the sparkling Liesijoki River towards the Soljastensuo mire. On Saari-Soljanen, take the accessible path until you turn to a northward trail. The trail continues along the old forest road past Liesilammi and Kettulammi to Tasainenkangas. From there, the trail returns to Kovero via Haukilampi.
Please note that there are some wet and muddy sections on the trail. Wear waterproof shoes.
Biking Trail, 16,3 km Circle Trail
In the snow-free season
On the Seitseminen cycling trail, you follow easy paths, grassy forest roads and winding gravel roads. South from the Pitkäjärvi forest hut, the trail runs along the old bicycle path used by forest workers.
Starting point
The Saari-Soljanen parking area, Soljostentie, Ylöjärvi
Seitseminen National Park brochure map (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Saari-Soljanen: accessible dry toilet, cooking shelter, campfire site
Kirkas-Soljanen: dry toilet, well, camping area, campfire site
Liesijärvi: camping area, lean-to shelter, campfire site, dry toilet
Pitkäjärvi rental hut: dry toilet, well
Honkaniemi: campfire site, dry toilet
Please bring your own toilet paper.
Sights
The Soljastensuo mire. You are not allowed to ride a bicycle on the Saari-Soljanen nature trail. However, it’s worth taking a detour on foot to see the mire landscapes on the accessible section of the Saari-Soljanen trail (500 m one-way).
The Pitkäjärvi rental hut is a grand, old logging hut. Please do not go too near if the hut is occupied. The campfire site and pier are for the use of people renting the hut.
Pitkäjärvi's old managed forest is located around Honkaniemi. On a bike, you get a good view of large Scots pines and deadwood.
Trail description
Don’t forget to bring a map! The trail is not marked in the terrain with paint marks. There are signs at junctions. Recommended direction: counterclockwise.
The trail starts from Saari-Soljanen, runs along the Soljostentie road towards Kirkas-Solja and turns to a forest road which initially runs along the edge of a forest where restoration burning has taken place. The trail continues north via Liesilammi and Kettulammi to Tasainenkangas, where it is possible to take a short detour to the Liesijärvi lean-to shelter. The trail from Tasainenkangas continues to Kivijärventie. The Kivijärventie road zigzags through magnificent mires to the Pitkäjärvi rental hut. From there, the trail continues along the old forest workers’ cycling route towards the south and the Jaulintie road. Bike back to Saari-Soljanen along Jaulintie and Soljostentie.
Please note
The trail section from Saari-Soljanen to Pitkäjärvi is also used by horse riders.
Cycling is restricted in Seitseminen. In addition to this route, cycling on roads and on the trail section from Tulusmäki to Hirviharju is possible. The permitted cycling routes are indicated in the terrain with signs.
Other Trails
Pirkan Taival Hiking Trail Network, 300 km
Pirkan Taival Hiking Trail Network, 300 km, has several routes.
Starting points
Good starting and ending points are for example Seitseminen and Helvetinjärvi National Parks. These trails also connect the two national parks.
Check for Warnings
When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally.
Seitseminen Brochure
Map of Soljanen Area
Map of Kovero Heritage Farm
